Patents by Inventor Martin J. Crippen

Martin J. Crippen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9173310
    Abstract: A latch comprises a frame securable to a device enclosure, and a handle slidably secured to the frame, wherein the handle can slide between an inward position and an outward position, and wherein the distal end of the handle has a drive pin. The latch further comprises a rigid pawl having a latch key, a distal end pivotally secured to the frame, and a slot that receives the drive pin. Inserting the handle causes the drive pin to move within the slot, push the pawl toward a side of a chassis bay, and deploy the latch key into engagement with a slot in the side of the chassis bay. Withdrawing the handle causes the drive pin to move within the slot, pull the pawl away from a side of the chassis bay, and withdraw the latch key out of engagement with the slot in the side of the chassis bay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Martin J. Crippen, Anthony F. Katsaros, Brian M. Kerrigan
  • Patent number: 9022434
    Abstract: A latch selectively secures a compute node enclosure into a chassis bay. The latch comprises a frame securable to a proximal end of the compute node enclosure. A handle is pivotally secured to the frame intermediate a proximal end of the handle and a distal end of the handle so that the handle can be pivoted between a closed position and an open position. A proximal end of a pawl is pivotally coupled at to the distal end of the handle, wherein the pawl includes a landing at a distal end of the pawl and a latch key intermediate proximal and distal ends of the pawl. Movement of the handle positions the pawl into engagement with a slot in chassis bay to assist installation and removal of the compute node enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Martin J. Crippen, Anthony F. Katsaros, Brian M. Kerrigan
  • Patent number: 8948000
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for managing a switch fabric. In one embodiment, a server system is provided that includes a midplane, one or more server cards, switch modules and a management controller. The midplane may include a fabric interconnect for a switch fabric. The one or more server cards and the switch modules may be operatively connected to the midplane. The switch modules may be configured to switch network traffic for the one or more server cards. The management controller may be configured to manage the switch modules via the fabric interconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: William J. Armstrong, John M. Borkenhagen, Martin J. Crippen, Dhruv M. Desai, David R. Engebretsen, Philip R. Hillier, III, William G. Holland, James E. Hughes, James A. O'Connor, Pravin S. Patel, Steven M. Tri
  • Patent number: 8925739
    Abstract: An embodiment of a computer rack is capable of supporting up to 48U of electronic devices, including a central rack space for up to 42U and six 1U side bays. The side bays are fully accessible from the rear of the rack, so that all of the components may be serviced without pulling the rack out from a row and removing side panels. Optional strip PDUs may be mounted at the rear. The rack complies with standard dimensions for a 19-inch rack, including standard vertical and horizontal rail dimensions, and fits on a standard 600 mm×1200 mm floor tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Martin J. Crippen, Karl Dittus, Eric A. Eckberg, John H. Mohlke, Randy J. Speltz, Robert W. Stegner, Ronald S. Taylor, Gregory S. Vande Corput, Charles E. White, III
  • Patent number: 8880938
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for reducing impact of a repair action in a switch fabric. In one embodiment, a server system is provided that includes a first interposer card that operatively connects one or more server cards to a midplane. The first interposer card may include a switch module that switches network traffic for the one or more server cards. The first interposer card may be hot-swappable from the midplane, and the one or more server cards may be hot-swappable from the first interposer card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Armstrong, John M. Borkenhagen, Martin J. Crippen, Dhruv M. Desai, David R. Engebretsen, Philip R. Hillier, III, William G. Hollan, James E. Hughes, Bradley D. McCredie, James A. O'Connor, Steven M. Tri
  • Patent number: 8880937
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for reducing impact of a repair action in a switch fabric. In one embodiment, a server system is provided that includes a first interposer card that operatively connects one or more server cards to a midplane. The first interposer card may include a switch module that switches network traffic for the one or more server cards. The first interposer card may be hot-swappable from the midplane, and the one or more server cards may be hot-swappable from the first interposer card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Armstrong, John M. Borkenhagen, Martin J. Crippen, Dhruv M. Desai, David R. Engebretsen, Philip R. Hillier, III, William G. Holland, James E. Hughes, Bradley D. McCredie, James A. O'Connor, Steven M. Tri
  • Patent number: 8874955
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for reducing impact of a switch failure in a switch fabric. In one embodiment, a server system is provided that includes a midplane, one or more server cards and one or more switch cards. The midplane may include a fabric interconnect for a switch fabric. The one or more server cards may be coupled with the midplane, where each server card is hot-swappable from the midplane. The one or more switch cards may also be coupled with the midplane, where each switch card is also hot-swappable from the midplane. Each switch card includes one or more switch modules, and each switch module is configured to switch network traffic for at least one server card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Armstrong, John M. Borkenhagen, Martin J. Crippen, Dhruv M. Desai, David R. Engebretsen, Philip R. Hillier, III, William G. Holland, James E. Hughes, James A. O'Connor, Steven M. Tri
  • Patent number: 8745437
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for reducing impact of a switch failure and/or a repair action in a switch fabric. In one embodiment, a server system is provided that includes a first interposer card that operatively connects one or more server cards to a midplane. The first interposer card may include a switch module that switches network traffic for the one or more server cards. The first interposer card may be hot-swappable from the midplane, and the one or more server cards may be hot-swappable from the first interposer card. The server system may further include an interconnect between the first interposer card and a second interposer card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Armstrong, John M. Borkenhagen, Martin J. Crippen, Dhruv M. Desai, David R. Engebretsen, Philip R. Hillier, III, William G. Holland, James E. Hughes, James A. O'Connor, Steven M. Tri
  • Patent number: 8745438
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for reducing impact of a switch failure in a switch fabric. In one embodiment, a server system is provided that includes a midplane, one or more server cards and one or more switch cards. The midplane may include a fabric interconnect for a switch fabric. The one or more server cards may be coupled with the midplane, where each server card is hot-swappable from the midplane. The one or more switch cards may also be coupled with the midplane, where each switch card is also hot-swappable from the midplane. Each switch card includes one or more switch modules, and each switch module is configured to switch network traffic for at least one server card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Armstrong, John M. Borkenhagen, Martin J. Crippen, Dhruv M. Desai, David R. Engebretsen, Philip R. Hillier, III, William G. Holland, James E. Hughes, James A. O'Connoor, Steven M. Tri
  • Patent number: 8677175
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for reducing impact of a switch failure and/or a repair action in a switch fabric. In one embodiment, a server system is provided that includes a first interposer card that operatively connects one or more server cards to a midplane. The first interposer card may include a switch module that switches network traffic for the one or more server cards. The first interposer card may be hot-swappable from the midplane, and the one or more server cards may be hot-swappable from the first interposer card. The server system may further include an interconnect between the first interposer card and a second interposer card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Armstrong, John M. Borkenhagen, Martin J. Crippen, Dhruv M. Desai, David R. Engebretsen, Philip R. Hillier, III, William G. Holland, James E. Hughes, James A. O'Connor, Steven M. Tri
  • Publication number: 20140044482
    Abstract: A latch comprises a frame securable to a device enclosure, and a handle slidably secured to the frame, wherein the handle can slide between an inward position and an outward position, and wherein the distal end of the handle has a drive pin. The latch further comprises a rigid pawl having a latch key, a distal end pivotally secured to the frame, and a slot that receives the drive pin. Inserting the handle causes the drive pin to move within the slot, push the pawl toward a side of a chassis bay, and deploy the latch key into engagement with a slot in the side of the chassis bay. Withdrawing the handle causes the drive pin to move within the slot, pull the pawl away from a side of the chassis bay, and withdraw the latch key out of engagement with the slot in the side of the chassis bay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Martin J. Crippen, Anthony F. Katsaros, Brian M. Kerrigan
  • Publication number: 20140044480
    Abstract: A latch selectively secures a compute node enclosure into a chassis bay. The latch comprises a frame securable to a proximal end of the compute node enclosure. A handle is pivotally secured to the frame intermediate a proximal end of the handle and a distal end of the handle so that the handle can be pivoted between a closed position and an open position. A proximal end of a pawl is pivotally coupled at to the distal end of the handle, wherein the pawl includes a landing at a distal end of the pawl and a latch key intermediate proximal and distal ends of the pawl. Movement of the handle positions the pawl into engagement with a slot in chassis bay to assist installation and removal of the compute node enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Martin J. Crippen, Anthony F. Katsaros, Brian M. Kerrigan
  • Publication number: 20140044481
    Abstract: A latch comprises a frame securable to an enclosure, and a handle pivotally secured to the frame for pivoting between a closed position and an open position. The distal end of the handle has a drive pin extending therefrom. The latch also comprises a pawl having a latch key, a distal end secured to the frame, and a proximal end coupled to the drive pin. Closing the handle causes the drive pin to move the pawl toward a side of the chassis bay and deploy the latch key into engagement with a slot in the side of the chassis bay. Opening the handle causes the drive pin to move the pawl away from a side of the chassis bay and withdraw the latch key out of engagement with the slot in the side of the chassis bay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Martin J. Crippen, Anthony F. Katsaros, Brian M. Kerrigan
  • Patent number: 8641313
    Abstract: A latch comprises a frame securable to an enclosure, and a handle pivotally secured to the frame for pivoting between a closed position and an open position. The distal end of the handle has a drive pin extending therefrom. The latch also comprises a pawl having a latch key, a distal end secured to the frame, and a proximal end coupled to the drive pin. Closing the handle causes the drive pin to move the pawl toward a side of the chassis bay and deploy the latch key into engagement with a slot in the side of the chassis bay. Opening the handle causes the drive pin to move the pawl away from a side of the chassis bay and withdraw the latch key out of engagement with the slot in the side of the chassis bay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Martin J. Crippen, Anthony F. Katsaros, Brian M. Kerrigan
  • Publication number: 20140027392
    Abstract: An embodiment of a computer rack is capable of supporting up to 48U of electronic devices, including a central rack space for up to 42U and six 1U side bays. The side bays are fully accessible from the rear of the rack, so that all of the components may be serviced without pulling the rack out from a row and removing side panels. Optional strip PDUs may be mounted at the rear. The rack complies with standard dimensions for a 19-inch rack, including standard vertical and horizontal rail dimensions, and fits on a standard 600 mm×1200 mm floor tile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Martin J. Crippen, Karl Dittus, Eric A. Eckberg, John H. Mohlke, Randy J. Speltz, Robert W. Stegner, Ronald S. Taylor, Gregory S. Vande Corput, Charles E. White, III
  • Patent number: 8635488
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing an enhanced availability personality card for a chassis computer system, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. The personality card includes a first erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM) and a second EPROM, each EPROM storing Vital Product Data (VPD) and a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor sensing temperature. A primary bidirectional bus and a redundant bidirectional bus are respectively connected between the first EPROM and the first temperature sensor and the second EPROM and the second temperature sensor, and a pair of chassis management modules. Each chassis management module includes a switch connected to both the primary bidirectional bus and the redundant bidirectional bus providing redundant paths, enabling continued function with failure of any critical personality card component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry D. Ackaret, Justin P. Bandholz, Brian E. Bigelow, Joseph E. Bolan, Kevin M. Cash, David L. Cowell, Martin J. Crippen, Christopher L. Durham, Jeffery M. Franke, James E. Hughes, David J. Jensen, John K. Langgood, Bay Van Nguyen, James A. O'Connor, Derek Robertson, John M. Sheplock, Wilson E. Smith
  • Patent number: 8547825
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for managing a switch fabric. In one embodiment, a server system is provided that includes a midplane, one or more server cards, switch modules and a management controller. The midplane may include a fabric interconnect for a switch fabric. The one or more server cards and the switch modules may be operatively connected to the midplane. The switch modules may be configured to switch network traffic for the one or more server cards. The management controller may be configured to manage the switch modules via the fabric interconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Armstrong, John M. Borkenhagen, Martin J. Crippen, Dhruv M. Desai, David R. Engebretsen, Philip R. Hillier, III, William G. Holland, James E. Hughes, James A. O'Connor, Pravin S. Patel, Steven M. Tri
  • Publication number: 20130157499
    Abstract: An active electrical connection system includes a first connector, a second connector for releasably connecting with the first connector, active circuitry for affecting a data signal, and a heat sink for dissipating heat. A heat sink positioning system comprising a plurality of protrusions and corresponding recesses precisely positions the heat sink during insertion to prevent sliding contact with a thermal interface material applied between the heat sink and a plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Martin J. Crippen, Karl K. Dittus, Tony C. Sass
  • Publication number: 20130117601
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing an enhanced availability personality card for a chassis computer system, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. The personality card includes a first erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM) and a second EPROM, each EPROM storing Vital Product Data (VPD) and a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor sensing temperature. A primary bidirectional bus and a redundant bidirectional bus are respectively connected between the first EPROM and the first temperature sensor and the second EPROM and the second temperature sensor, and a pair of chassis management modules. Each chassis management module includes a switch connected to both the primary bidirectional bus and the redundant bidirectional bus providing redundant paths, enabling continued function with failure of any critical personality card component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jerry D. Ackaret, Justin P. Bandholz, Brian E. Bigelow, Joseph E. Bolan, Kevin M. Cash, David L. Cowell, Martin J. Crippen, Christopher L. Durham, Jeffery M. Franke, James E. Hughes, David J. Jensen, John K. Langgood, Bay Van Nguyen, James A. O'Connor, Derek Robertson, John M. Sheplock, Wilson E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130010639
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for managing a switch fabric. In one embodiment, a server system is provided that includes a midplane, one or more server cards, switch modules and a management controller. The midplane may include a fabric interconnect for a switch fabric. The one or more server cards and the switch modules may be operatively connected to the midplane. The switch modules may be configured to switch network traffic for the one or more server cards. The management controller may be configured to manage the switch modules via the fabric interconnect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: WILLIAM J. ARMSTRONG, JOHN M. BORKENHAGEN, MARTIN J. CRIPPEN, DHRUV M. DESAI, DAVID R. ENGEBRETSEN, PHILIP R. HILLIER, III, WILLIAM G. HOLLAND, JAMES E. HUGHES, JAMES A. O'CONNOR, PRAVIN S. PATEL, STEVEN M. TRI